The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE DAY AFTER A POLISH WEDDING, THE
BRIDE AND GROOM WOULD GO OVER TO THE
BRIDE'S FAMILY HOME FOR DINNER (USUALLY
THE LEFTOVER FOOD FROM THE WEDDING
RECEPTION). THIS IS CALLED PROPEVENIA.
WHEN THE COUPLE ARRIVES, THE BRIDE'S FATHER
MEETS THEM AT THE DOOR WITH A TOWEL OVER HIS
HAND. HE DID THIS BECAUSE HE DIDN'T WANT
TO SHAKE HIS SON-IN-LAW'S HAND WITHOUT
WIPING HIS HAND FIRST BECAUSE THE GROOM HAD BEEN
"TOUCHING" HIS DAUGHTER DURING THE NIGHT.

Submitter comment: MY FATHER-IN-LAW TELLS ME THAT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW
WAS VERY EMBARRASSED AND ANGRY WHEN HER FATHER
DID THIS TO THEM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT